This year, The Orlando Magic revealed what would become our city’s G League team, the Lakeland Magic. While their talent shines on the court, these players are well-suited for some timeless style inspiration off the court.
Photography by Dan Austin
One of four boys growing up, I was the only non-athletically inclined son who not only couldn’t dribble a basketball, but was the only one not glued to the TV on Game Days, aka male bonding time. Basketball was the Gonzalez family’s sport of choice; the Chicago Bulls were second to God (Michael Jordan being God). The one unifying factor that brought my brothers, jocks, and the rest of us together was the players’ off-court style. The iconic ’90s Kangol hats, quilted bomber jackets, and flashy suits that superstar athlete Michael Jordan wore off-court set off a global trend, from professional sports players to the young men playing ball on their high school court.
It put a spotlight on sports that still shines in 2017. These days, off-court style has become just as important as the team uniform and equally as competitive as the NBA Finals. Players these days show up to games in silk shirts, embellished trousers, leather coats, and carrying designer bags, carving their place as style role models to their fans. From Dwayne Wade’s perfectly tailored suits to Kevin Durant’s flashy street style, it’s the season when we look to basketball players for what’s next and acceptable among the sports circle worldwide.
We met up with players from the Lakeland Magic to talk style and, of course, show you some of their off-court looks that all of us men will fearlessly be attempting this season.
[separator type=”space”]
[accordion]
[item title=”Jay Wright“]
Position: Guard
Favorite item in his wardrobe: My Jordans
Celebrity style icon: Young Thug
Pre-game hype song:
Mink Flow by Young Thug
Style advice for aspiring pro-athletes: Be yourself.
[/item]
[/accordion]
[separator type=”space”]
[separator type=”space”]
[accordion]
[item title=”T.J. PRICE“]
Position: Guard
College Western Kentucky University
Favorite item in his wardrobe: baseball cap
Celebrity style icon: Wale
Pre-game hype song:
I listen to everything.
Style advice for aspiring pro-athletes: Be yourself.
[/item]
[/accordion]
[separator type=”space”]
[Modula id=”45″]
[separator type=”space”]
[separator type=”space”]
[accordion]
[item title=”Troy Caupain“]
Position: Guard
College University of Cincinnati
Favorite item in his wardrobe: sneakers
Celebrity style icon:
I dress like Troy.
Pre-game hype song: Heavy Heart by Meek Mill
Style advice for aspiring pro-athletes: Keep it simple. Let your game do the talking.
[/item]
[/accordion]
[separator type=”space”]
[Modula id=”46″]
[separator type=”space”]
[separator type=”space”]
[accordion]
[item title=”Rodney Purvis“]
Position: Guard
Drafted from: University of Connecticut
Favorite item in his wardrobe: shoes
Celebrity style icon: Offset
Pre-game hype song:
7 Min Freestyle by
21 Savage
Style advice for aspiring pro-athletes: Be you.
[/item]
[/accordion]
[separator type=”space”]
[separator type=”space”]
[accordion]
[item title=”John Petrucelli“]
Position: Guard
Favorite item in his wardrobe: slim-fit blazer
Celebrity style icon:
Steph Curry
Pre-game hype song: anything by Drake
Style advice for aspiring pro-athletes:
Stay comfortable.
[/item]
[/accordion]
[separator type=”space”]